Chimera’s F2X can be assembled completely without tools, utilizing durable aluminum tubing. F2X breaks down into 60” padded duffels, meaning that they can easily be shipped via most international and domestic carriers, including FedEx, UPS, and DHL. F2X lightbanks are available in 5×10, 5×15, 10×20, and 10×30 feet.

The F2 features a modular design with a heavy duty welded steel frame. With truss-like components that bolt together the F2 Modulars are designed for permanent install situations. F2 Modulars can support more individual fixtures compared to the F2X, thanks to its beefier frame, and are available in larger sizes: 10×20, 10×30, 15×30, and 15×40 feet.

Because of the size of the F2 Modular components, freight shipping is required, with receiving at a loading dock recommended. The F2 Modulars ship inside a wooden crate, where a forklift is highly recommended for receiving.

Our F2 and F2X Lightbanks feature a number of ways to attach either to stands.

Both feature 1.25” solid aluminum ends on the four lower corners of the lightbank, which fit into a standard Mafer or Super Clamp. Then, simply use the 5/8” Baby Receiver on the clamp to mount it to any Baby Pin.

For low height suspension (5-6 feet) a standard C-Stand is suitable, as the total weight (listed below) is dispersed over the four stands, however it is important to factor in the lights you’ll be using inside the F2X as well.

For higher suspension, crank or windup stands are preferred as many come with built-in wheels, and easier ability to raise or lower each stand. Popular choices include Matthews Crank-O-Vator, American Roadrunner, and Avenger Super Wind-Up. An additional Junior to Baby pin adapter may be required to mount the Mafer, consult the stand specifications for more details.

With any support setup, it is important to total both the number of lights as well as the weight of the lightbank body alone, to ensure the manufacturer’s recommended maximum load of the stand is not exceeded.

Lightbank and Frame Weight (Without Lights)

F2X
5 x 10′: 74 lb / 33.5 kg
5 x 15′: 112 lb / 50.8 kg
10 x 20′: 148 lb / 67.1 kg
10 x 30′: 225 lb / 102 kg

F2 Modular
10 x 20’: 150 lbs / 65 kg
10 x 30’: 200 lbs / 90 kg
15 x 30’: 300 lbs / 135 kg
15 x 40’: 350 lbs / 160 kg

The F2 and F2X feature standard 5/8″ Baby pin mounting points throughout the frame of the lightbank. This allows a wide variety of fixtures, strobe or continuous, to be mounted throughout.

In general, lights with a fully exposed bulb or dome design is ideal for the most even illumination of an F2 or F2X lightbank. Alternatively open faces or wide / broad beam angle fixtures are suitable.

For continuous tungsten, Chimera’s own Triolet system is a perfect solution, offering up to 1,000W per mounting point (varies by size and style of the F2 / F2X), all within a very durable aluminum housing and compatibility with easily sourced Mogul base tungsten bulbs. In fact, we offer the complete line of F2X overhead lightbanks with Triolets included!

For daylight, any HMI fixture that features a fully exposed bulb, such as a K5600 Joker Bug, or the Kobold Bron HMIs.

For strobes, bare bulb / dome style monoblocks or flash heads are ideal.

In setup, we recommend pointing the fixtures up towards the lid of the lightbank body so that they bounce and illuminate the diffusion.

Some caution must be exercised when positioning the lights as some continuous fixtures are not designed to be operated pointing straight down. Check with the fixture manufacturer for complete and safe operation.

Chimera’s F2 and F2X overhead lightbanks feature multiple mounting points to attach strobe or continuous fixtures. The silver interior, wrapped around a durable metal frame, reflects the light to illuminate the front screen, while interior baffles help ensure evenness.

The number of mounting points varies by the size and type of the F2 or F2X, listed below. The F2 Modular features more mounting points than the F2X thanks to its heavier duty welded steel frame, and is ideal for permanent installations. The F2X features a breakdown design that allows it to ship via most common carriers, such as FedEx, UPS, and DHL.

F2X
5×10: 2 Mounting Points
5×15: 3 Mounting Points
10×20: 8 Mounting Points
10×30: 12 Mounting Points

F2 Modular
10×20: 16 Mounting Points
10×30: 24 Mounting Points
15×30: 36 Mounting Points
15×40: 48 Mounting Points

A popular method of installing an F2 Modular or F2X Overhead lightbank is to suspend it from the ceiling. Because the installation height, as well as the buildings / studios for installation vary widely, Chimera does not offer any officially suggested method or recommendation of doing this, however we do offer a few examples and solutions that our customers have used successfully. We do not endorse any of the methods below but simply offer them as solutions our customers have found.

Both F2X and F2 modular have four 1.25″ ends on each lower corner, that can be clamped to with a variety of clamps, including a Mafer / Super Clamp. Alternatively, slings that slip around these points are also possible.

Suspending the lightbank and using ceiling-mounted electric motor hoists allow for adjustment of the pitch and pivot after being installed. Mechanical pullies have also been utilized as well.

The F2 Modular features comaptibility with optional hanging brackets (part number #4960) which come in a set of 4. Evenly spaced throughout the F2 frame, these brackets feature a steel shackle, suitable for attaching a cable, pulley, or hook to.

A number of purpose-built studio systems from Manfrotto, FOBA, or Hensel have been used by our customers, which we would recommend contacting.

For installation, consulting a structural engineer or contractor is paramount for a qualified assessment of building before hanging any type of load. Listed below is the weight of our F2 Modular and F2X lightbanks with assembled frame, before adding lights.

F2X
5 x 10′: 74 lb / 33.5 kg
5 x 15′: 112 lb / 50.8 kg
10 x 20′: 148 lb / 67.1 kg
10 x 30′: 225 lb / 102 kg

F2 Modular
10 x 20’: 150 lbs / 65 kg
10 x 30’: 200 lbs / 90 kg
15 x 30’: 300 lbs / 135 kg
15 x 40’: 350 lbs / 160 kg